Safety is the foremost concern, and the assistance of Jessup Hose Company 2, Scott Twp. Dive Team, Wilson Hose Company in Peckville and Archbald Ambulance was invaluable in getting 179 canoes and kayaks to the race finish line.

Former Mayor Jim Connors smoothly emceed our finish line activities with his humor and energy.

Rabbi Daniel Swartz led a contemplative interfaith service celebrating the river.

Musical talent was generously donated by Mike and Bob of High Falls, Tom Flannery, Shoes for Traction and Lighten Up.

I sincerely thank the scores of volunteers — the success of RiverFest is dependent upon each and every one of them.

ANITA LOHIN

PRESIDENT, LRCA

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tax cars for school

Editor: We need to take the burden off the property owner. Too much of the routine.

I am for a complete reversal on money used for education from property owners. I see no improvement from our leaders. Immediately, I want to see a tax on all automobiles to support education, like in Connecticut.

Nothing hard to comprehend, very simple. I’ve been around a long time, and I know what will work.

JAMES BARRETT SR.

SCRANTON

Share the burden

Editor: Property owners have shouldered the burden to fund school districts. The antiquated state system singles out property owners and does not share the burden among all Pennsylvanians.

With raises in school property taxes over the last two decades many people are being taxed out of their homes. There is no end in sight. Contributions from the districts into the pension system are growing at astronomical rates. Taxes will be raised again and again.

Reform is absolutely necessary on the state level to change the way we fund our public school system because our people can not afford these current and ever rising property taxes. House and Senate Bill 76 are being deliberated to implement a higher personal state income tax (from 3.07 percent to 4.34 percent) and a higher, expanded sales tax (6 percent to 7 percent statewide; 7 percent to 8 percent in Philadelphia/Pittsburgh).

The time has come to alleviate this burden and eliminate school property taxes.

ANDREW J. GAUDENZI

WESTERN WAYNE

SCHOOL DIRECTOR,

WAYMART

Shot from hip

Editor: Joann Lee Frank (“Easy Access,” Your Opinion, June 8) is off the mark when she chastises our legislators for not passing stricter gun laws and making it easier for Aazis Richardson to buy guns. At 16 he could not legally buy a gun.

There are numerous and sufficient gun laws on the books. So let’s enforce what is there and work to keep guns out of the hands of the criminal element instead.

The good guys already are obeying the law.

MIKE CHEROCHAK

JESSUP

Let ’em eat ammo

Editor: Envision, if you will, the following scenario: You’re in a family restaurant, celebrating your child’s fifth birthday, along with a giggling gaggle of his little playmates. Just as the candles are blown out, in strides a half-dozen burly men, all armed to their teeth — both of them — with handguns and assault rifles in view.

You’ve never seen these guys before, and the kids are mortified. The gun-toting gang could be good ol’ boys who are standing their ground to hold onto their “Open Carry” dogma. Or they could have mayhem on their minds. Who’s to know?

And what of militant-looking minorities or bearded, Middle Eastern-looking types? Do they have the same right to “Open Carry”?

I suppose, in regard to the facial hair, the color could be a factor. Salt and pepper “Duck Dynasty” beard, good. Black Bin Laden beard, bad.

Meanwhile, let’s not forget about the kids who came to have fun, but who could soon be choking on their birthday cake. Not that it matters much to some “Open Carry” exhibitionists who have been banned from some major restaurant chains in America.

All they care about is having their cake and shooting it, too.

VINCE MORABITO

SCRANTON

Enforcement key

Editor: In response to Joanne Lee Frank’s letter, “Easy Access,” the NRA is not lobbying to make it easier for juveniles, like 16-year- old Aazis Richardson, to buy handguns.

Her letter reveals how little she knows about existing gun laws. For example; it has been reported that Richardson bought the gun from someone in New Jersey. It is illegal in Pennsylvania and New Jersey for anyone to sell, give or transfer a handgun to a juvenile.

Private sales in New Jersey, at a gun show or not, apply only to rifles and shotguns; pistols may not legally be exchanged directly between individuals.

Buying a gun is a long process in New Jersey. The first step requires obtaining a firearms ID card. The FID is applied for through police. The police take an applicant’s fingerprints and run a background check. The applicant must be free of felony convictions, all domestic violence convictions and mental adjudication.

In Pennsylvania, a person cannot even purchase ammunition for a handgun unless he is 21 or older. You must also be at least 21 to receive a concealed-carry permit in Pennsylvania and, as in New Jersey, a background check is conducted.

Aazis Richardson violated numerous gun laws by concealing and possessing the handgun he allegedly used to murder Mr. Darbenzio. Current gun laws did not stop him and, sadly, these laws are disdained by criminals.

Existing laws must be vigorously enforced. The creation of additional anti-firearms laws are just politically motivated “feel good” measures and will have no real impact on gun crime.

EDWARD ZINDELL

JERMYN

Forsooth, bankrupt

Editor, Once upon a time a brave knight named Sir PEL of Harrisburg traveled to Scranton to do battle with a many-headed dragon. The dragon was very fierce, and with the support of the Legion of Doom, was doing everything it could to ruin the city. The dragon demanded large fees to support its lavish lifestyle and pay its doctor bills. Even though Sir PEL had a willing valet, Squire Christopher from the House of Doherty, he could not defeat the dragon. The many-headed monster continued to ravage the city.

The citizens were saddened as they watched their once beautiful city wither and die because of the greed of the dragon. They cried as they watched their children leave home for far-off cities.They felt terrible as they watched buildings, roads and bridges crumble. Because of the close ties between te Legion of Doom, the leader of city council, and the many-headed dragon,the citizens, Sir PEL and Squire Christopher did not stand a chance. Sir PEL returned to the big city, Squire Christopher fought for years but finally resigned himself to the inevitable, and the citizens just kept paying through the nose.

The businessmen of the city then hired a mercenary to come and fight the dragon. He very quickly saw the futility of his quest and capitulated to the dragon’s demands. Puff was a dragon that helped his citizens, but the dragon named Unionized Workers of Scranton thinks only of himself.

DAVID G. WATKINS

SCRANTON

We welcome user discussion on our site, under the following guidelines:

To comment you must first create a profile and sign-in with a verified DISQUS account or social network ID. Sign up here.

Comments in violation of the rules will be denied, and repeat violators will be banned. Please help police the community by flagging offensive comments for our moderators to review. By posting a comment, you agree to our full terms and conditions. Click here to read terms and conditions.